Early Origins of the Verhan family

The surname Verhan was first found in Yorkshire where they held a family seat at Gateforth, which at the time of the taking of the Domesday Book in 1086 was known as Gereford, and granted by the King to Ilbert de Lacy. They held a family seat in this ancient village from very early times, which consisted at that time of a church and a few houses, some say before the Norman Conquest in 1066 A.D.

Early History of the Verhan family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Verhan research.Another 117 words (8 lines of text) covering the years 1937, 1614, 1697, 1662, 1632 and 1697 are included under the topic Early Verhan History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Verhan Spelling Variations

It is only in the last few hundred years that the English language has been standardized. For that reason, early Anglo-Saxon surnames like Verhan are characterized by many spelling variations. As the English language changed and incorporated elements of other European languages, even literate people changed the spelling of their names. The variations of the name Verhan include: Fireman, Fermin, Firmin, Firmins, Firman, Virman and many more.

Early Notables of the Verhan family (pre 1700)

Another 48 words (3 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Verhan Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Verhan family to Ireland

Some of the Verhan family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt.Another 97 words (7 lines of text) about their life in Ireland is included in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Verhan family to the New World and Oceana

Many English families tired of political and religious strife left Britain for the new colonies in North America. Although the trip itself offered no relief - conditions on the ships were extremely cramped, and many travelers arrived diseased, starving, and destitute - these immigrants believed the opportunities that awaited them were worth the risks. Once in the colonies, many of the families did indeed prosper and, in turn, made significant contributions to the culture and economies of the growing colonies. An inquiry into the early roots of North American families has revealed a number of immigrants bearing the name Verhan or a variant listed above: John Firman who settled in Salem, Massachusetts in 1630; Giles Firmin settled in Boston Massachusetts in 1634; William Firmins settled in Maryland in 1774.

The Verhan Motto

The motto was originally a war cry or slogan. Mottoes first began to be shown with arms in the 14th and 15th centuries, but were not in general use until the 17th century. Thus the oldest coats of arms generally do not include a motto. Mottoes seldom form part of the grant of arms: Under most heraldic authorities, a motto is an optional component of the coat of arms, and can be added to or changed at will; many families have chosen not to display a motto.